South Sydney face fine after real cause of trial delay revealed
AThe Rabbitohs could be fined by the NRL after the real cause of Saturday's massive delay to the start of their trial against the Sea Eagles was revealed.
While a medical emergency in the crowd was initially believed to have been the catalyst, AAP is reporting that was merely a coincidence.
The NRL has launched a probe after a booking bungle meant there was no paramedic at the ground at the scheduled start of play at 3.30pm.
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Cameron Murray signed autographs as frustrated fans waited in the stands. Getty/Nine
Officials were almost forced to cancel the match before medics were pulled from the crowd to cover the shortfall.
Fans in the stands grew increasingly frustrated before the game eventually got underway shortly after 5pm.
A spectator at the ground did suffer a suspected heart attack, but they were taken to hospital by an emergency ambulance called to the ground.
Home clubs are responsible for booking paramedics for matches, with the NRL mandating an intensive care unit paramedic and one other.
Once made aware of the situation, the NRL made calls to NSW Ambulance requesting personnel, which couldn't be guaranteed due to the short notice.
A call was then put out over the stadium's PA system, asking for any intensive care paramedics in the crowd to come forward.
When one did, along with an intensive care unit doctor, the game was eventually given the go-ahead.
The Eels faced a similar probe after an NRLW match was delayed for the same reason last season.
If a booking oversight is found to be the reason for the delay, the NRL could issue the Rabbitohs with a breach notice and a fine.
Manly eventually ran out 34-24 winners.
